After the morbid but funny post I wrote yesterday, I awoke this morning and forced myself to look upwards. What inspired me more was to see my first bird of the day, a Robin - the sign of Spring arriving and perhaps a new beginning.

I came to two conclusions for myself today. First, greet the birds in the morning. That’s when they are most active and brave. Second, make time everyday to feel at peace and smile, as I'm responsible for my own happiness.

I never tire of bluebirds. I know this is Millie, and next comes Johnny. Yeah, I’m on the verge of being a cuckoo, but I love these birds.

and heeeeere’s……….JOHNNY!

I postponed my budget meeting today until tomorrow. Guess what? I still won’t be ready but that’s alright because no one else will be ready, either. I’m not going to lie awake at night and worry anymore. There’s just too much going on right now, the workload is overwhelming for many of us, and I need to study for my “Whodunnit” trial tomorrow. But I did make time for a long stroll around the campus today and visited places I haven’t seen before. I thought the sun’s reflection on the pines were pretty.

The Forensics team has a pig pen at the base of the campus and I’ve heard about it but never saw it with my own eyes. This is where dead pigs are caged for observations on body decomposition, flies and maggots. Sad, but true. I’m glad there were no pigs today but soon, when the weather warms, they’ll be there.

I’m not a plant expert but I think this is a Rose of Sharon that’s hidden on the back of the campus. What a shame that it’s hidden from view! I’ll visit it more often. While I was looking around in these hidden areas, I decided that I won’t let the injustices and inconsistencies in the office make my eye twitch anymore. For my own sake, I’ll look the other way and concentrate on my own business and learn to say, “No” to all of the invitations for help I receive that cramp my style. For most women, saying “No” is a difficult decision to make.

There was a wide variety of birds at the feeder tonight when I got home and many of them were my favorites. Ten minutes later, I saw they were gone, and the freeloaders were “hanging out” like teenagers at a burger joint. Just sitting there, hogging the space. But I forced a congenial “smile and nod”…

Will this clear sunset resemble my thoughts and attitude in the morning? I hope so. But already, I gritted my teeth tonight while Michael sat at the computer when I have a post to finish before American Idol airs. Note to self: get your own computer. Am I fooling myself throughout this post? Probably. I’ll be back to a weekly rant in six days - a gentler and kinder one. :o)

Oh I love Robins and can't wait to hear them again here soon. For now I'm happy to hear Cheer Cheer Cheer and Chick-a-Dee-Dee-Dee. I love your outlook on your work - if I can only adopt that and stick to it too I would feel so much less stressed!Here's Johnny cracked me up right out loud! I love the trip through your school's woods - except that pig pen thing.And the sun scene is gorgeous!Oh Mary you need your own computer definitely. I love a laptop the best. Then you can go anywhere you want in your home. Please keep telling us about your bewds!

I'm with Lynne - I love you too! Don't you dare get kinder and gentler - your moxie makes us laugh and, I suspect, keeps you afloat. Bluebirds and Robins - Ah . . . a distant dream for me, but reassuring that they may be on their way to a neighborhood near us.

Mary, from the looks of the twigs and buds, and if the petals are unfolding now, it seems more likely that the hidden tree is a saucer Magnolia rather than a Rose of Sharon. Both of your conclusions would be good for me, too !

I agree with Annie in Austin - magnolia. I have a star magnolia that I've been trying to get a nice pic of for years - yours is just perfect. I love the velvety feel of the buds - did you touch them? Oh and they have a nice scent too!

It goes back to what we know to be true... many times we can't control the situation, but we CAN control how we respond to it. Bravo to you Mary for just not letting it control how your day goes! Love the photos of the robin and of the bluebirds. Have a lovely day ahead.

Hang in there, baby! Working to be kinder and gentler is never wasted effort. And, learning to say no . . . that's important work. But you are so smart to know that getting out and taking a little walk in nature is a great way to break through the crap that surrounds us so often.

Hi Mary I don't have a blog but I found you through Julie's, and I'm so glad I did. Your pictures are wonderful, your moxie is inspiring, and I see myself so many times when you're talking about your job. I sure can identify with you when it comes to co-workers and bosses.Anyway, I am a new birder, but just wanted to say 'hi' and tell you how much I look forward to your blog each day.